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VpCI®-309: An Extremely Efficient Dry Method of Corrosion Protection for Void Spaces

24 Jan 2020  |
Void spaces inside tubes, pipes, tanks, and other metal components are notoriously difficult to protect against corrosion. It is challenging, if not impossible, to apply a coating or rust preventative to intricate or hard to reach internal surfaces.

Even when it can be done, workers are often left with the problem of how to remove the coating before putting the equipment or parts into use. Fortunately for asset owners, Cortec’s VpCI®-309 is a simple and effective alternative for corrosion protection.

VpCI®-309 is a Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor powder that provides an extremely efficient dry method for protecting ferrous metals within an enclosed space. These inhibitors vaporize from their powder source and disperse throughout the enclosure until they reach equilibrium. At this point, they are able to form a protective molecular layer on the metal surfaces within the void space. If the VpCI® layer is disturbed by moisture or the enclosure is opened, the molecular barrier is replenished by continuous vapor redeposition for ongoing protection after the space is closed again. Little or no surface prep is needed before application, and the powder is relatively easy to remove by air gun or water rinse when the equipment needs to be put back in use.

Typical applications for VpCI®-309 include:

  • Tubular structures, pipes, vessels, and turbines
  • Internal surfaces of compressors, turbines, engines, tanks, boilers, and heat exchangers
  • Closed-circuit cooling systems (dry layup)
  • Equipment protection after hydrostatic testing
  • Parts, components, and completed assemblies
  • Segmental concrete bridge tendons/cables

EcoFog® VpCI®-309 Nano is a submicron particle version of VpCI®-309 for hard-to-reach recessed areas, interior cavities, and voids. The properties of these tinier particle sizes allow them to diffuse more quickly, travel longer distances, and provide enhanced protection coverage.

For applications where fogging is not preferred, the VpCI®-309 Pouch offers an even more convenient option. Protection is as simple as placing the appropriate number of pouches inside the void according to enclosure volume, closing the void for storage or shipment, and then removing the pouches before the equipment is put back into use. VpCI®-309 Pouches are also excellent for protecting metals inside large packages or containers.

One example of the many creative and efficient applications for VpCI®-309 was its use by a city bus manufacturer to protect bus skeleton internals. The previous method of protection was to apply more than 120 liters of paraffin inhibitor into 1200 quarter inch (0.6 cm) holes drilled throughout the chassis. It took 18 men to drill the holes and plug them after the inhibitor was applied. By opting for VpCI®-309 powder instead, the manufacturer was able to reduce the number of holes drilled by about 75%, cutting down labor time and reducing the fire hazard and spill problem of using the paraffin inhibitor.

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Cortec® Corporation is trusted globally in the corrosion protection business. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, Cortec® manufactures environmentally friendly, Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor (VpCI®) & Migratory Corrosion Inhibitor (MCI®) technologies. Cortec® has over 400 products...

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